Customs intercepts smuggled tyres in Oyo

Operatives of the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service intercepted a smuggled consignment of used tyres totalling 2,290 pieces along the Saki axis of Oyo State on Monday.

The used tyres were found concealed in a DAF truck at about 9:45 a.m., according to the Area Command spokesman, Superintendent of Customs, Kayode Wey.

He said, “The seizure was part of the command’s ongoing efforts to curtail the smuggling of prohibited items into the country, thereby protecting public safety and promoting the integrity of the Nigerian economy.”

Speaking on the seizure on Tuesday, the Customs Area Controller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, stressed the illegality of the importation or smuggling of used tyres into the country as it poses risks to public safety.

“Upon inspection, the tyres were found hidden in a DAF truck in an attempt to evade detection by law enforcement officers,” he said. Oramalugo also expressed appreciation for the command officers “who work tirelessly to prevent the smuggling of substandard and prohibited goods into Nigeria.”

He stressed the importance of the area command’s continuous surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts.

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The Comptroller stated that the Command is committed to ensuring that only legitimate goods are allowed entry into the country, adding that it would continue to strengthen its operations to combat smuggling activities across all fronts.

He warned smugglers and others involved in the illegal trade of prohibited items, reiterating the unrelenting efforts of the area command to bring offenders to justice and safeguard the nation’s borders.

Recall that in Oyo, the Customs also intercepted fake drugs worth over N1.7 billion. Addressing the situation, Oramalugo noted, “For the period of January 19 to February 2024, the command has intercepted and seized the following contraband goods: foreign parboiled rice, 345 (50kg) bags worth N24,218,000.00; Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 344 (25 litres) kegs worth N5,728,500.00; Indian hemp, 4 wraps (4 kilograms) worth N126,000.00; used tyres, 1,309 pieces worth N70,140,000.00; and used clothes and shoes, 45 sacks/8 sacks/9 bales worth N32,400,000.00/N10,320,000.00.”